Victims facing unwelcome long wait for closure

Demands placed on the Historic Claims Unit are
leading to a drawn out, and potentially distressing, process
of redress for victims of historic abuse, Labour’s
Children’s spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.

The
unit deals with claims of abuse for people who were in care,
custody, guardianship or were under the supervision of a
Child Welfare officer or social worker before 1993. It can
provide an apology or even compensation for people who have
been abused in care.

“This is a critical process
for people who have experienced serious trauma, often at a
young age. However, figures suggest it is taking far too
long to resolve claims.

“Questions to Paula
Bennett, the Minister of Social Development, show that 840
historic claims were at various stages of the resolution
process as of 17 April 2014.

“Of claims made since
1 January 2004 (and concluded) the overall average time
between the claim being made and it being closed is 24
months or two years. The longest period of time between
lodging and closing a claim was nine years and three months.
That is unacceptable.

“The Ministry argues there
is no delay in addressing claims, but then goes on to state
that ‘the time consuming nature of the assessment process
and the number of claims being dealt with mean they can take
some time to resolve.’

“An additional pressure
is the fact that the Confidential Listening and Advice
Service (CLAS) is no longer registering any new cases,
despite continued demand for the work it does and now refers
cases to the HCU.

“In papers released under the
Official Information Act, chair of the soon to close service
Judge Carolyn Henwood notes that was likely to lead to
increased delays.

“Not only that but MSD expects
to receive a further 500 claims to the HCU in the next six
years as a result of the closure, while more than a third of
the 700-plus current claims have been waiting for resolution
for more than three years.

“As Judge Carol Henwood
notes, long delays can impact on the emotional wellbeing of
claimants.

“We must ensure that people abused by
those who were trusted to care for them, get the
acknowledgement they deserve, not a long queue.”
Ends

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